From left: GBA Holdings Sdn Bhd director Jonathan Tan Boon Siang, Hartamas Mentari Sdn Bhd director Tan Jing Jeong, IJM Corp Bhd chief executive officer (CEO) and managing director Lee Chun Fai, Swift Haulage Bhd group CEO Loo Yong Hui, Global Vision Logistics Sdn Bhd director Loo Hooi Keat and Global Vision Logistics Sdn Bhd chairman Oh Kim Sun at the signing ceremony of the share sale agreement of Shah Alam International Logistics Hub (SAILH) on Friday, Jan 12, 2024. (Photos by IJM Corp Bhd)

KUALA LUMPUR (Jan 12): IJM Corp Bhd has signed a share sale agreement via its fully-owned subsidiary IJM RE Sdn Bhd, with logistics provider Swift Haulage Bhd and Hartamas Mentari Sdn Bhd, to acquire a 25% stake in Global Vision Logistics Sdn Bhd (GVL), according to a press statement on Friday. 

For context, GVL is a joint venture company between Swift Haulage, Hartamas Mentari and other shareholders. GVL is the developer of the Shah Alam International Logistics Hub (SAILH) in Selangor.

IJM Corp group chief executive officer and managing director Lee Chun Fai said in the statement: “Our investment in GVL and SAILH is a strategic move to address the increasing demands of the logistics sector, spurred by e-commerce growth and supply chain diversification”. 

“This decision not only expands IJM’s industrial property portfolio, focusing on high-value assets that generate recurring income, but also reflects our expertise in infrastructure and construction. By integrating our investment strategies with hands-on project execution, we are enhancing our ability to meet diverse industry demands, further establishing IJM as a versatile solutions provider across diverse industries,” Lee added.

The statement said SAILH is set to become one of Asean’s largest and Malaysia’s first green-certified logistics hub. Spread across a 71-acre site in Shah Alam, the first phase of SAILH, which commenced construction in September last year, will offer 2.8 million sq ft of space including a four-storey warehouse complex, multi-level parking and office space with ancillary buildings. 

The first phase is slated to be completed in 2025, while plans for the second phase are underway. The logistics hub is expected to have a total warehouse space of about six million sq ft when all phases are completed.

SAILH will also be designed with eco-friendly features such as low-carbon building materials and energy-saving systems. The development is expected to receive Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies (EDGE) Advanced and EDGE Zero Carbon certifications, as well as a GreenRE Silver rating. 

Representing GVL, its chairman Oh Kim Sun said, “IJM’s investment in GVL is a key milestone for us. Partnering with an industry leader like IJM brings valuable resources and expertise, as well as showcases confidence in our vision. IJM’s deep understanding of our business, customer universe and the evolving logistics sector enhances our growth potential. Together, we look forward to working closely with IJM to set new benchmarks in the logistics sector”.

Additionally, the statement also highlighted that IJM’s SAILH investment follows an RM653.6 million construction contract won by its construction arm, IJM Construction, in June last year. The investment in SAILH is also part of IJM’s broader strategy to expand into the industrial property sector, complementing its other investments in Exio Logistics Sdn Bhd for two logistics hubs in the City of Elmina, Shah Alam and in the Malaysia China-Kuantan Industrial Logistics Park.

Meanwhile, the statement also announced that IJM Land Bhd has acquired an 11-acre brownfield site known as The Wheat Quarter factory site in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, England. 

The site has been approved to be redeveloped for 811 homes and 150,000 sq ft of mixed-use space. The new development will feature a well-planned park and integrate the site’s original 1920s architecture, including Grade II listed structures, offering a residential-led, community-focused design. It will also offer a diverse mix of non-residential facilities, mainly through renovation of the existing factory buildings. 

The site is also located adjacent to the Welwyn Garden City train station and connected to a mature shopping area, as well as major retailers by a footbridge. King’s Cross Station is also 28 minutes away by train. 

Lee said, “The acquisition allows us to merge the site’s historic character with contemporary design, fostering a vibrant community space that meets today’s urban needs. Our team’s familiarity with the site, combined with IJM Land’s track record of urban redevelopment in the UK, positions us well for the successful delivery of this project”.

“These investments in Malaysia and the UK reflect our strategic vision to strengthen IJM’s footprint in the logistics sector and international property development. We are committed to delivering innovative and sustainable solutions in these key markets,” he concluded.